Boundaries in Psychotherapy and Counseling: Ethical and Clinical Considerations

Fulfills requirement: Professional Ethics for all professions

This beginning/intermediate level course includes articles (available in text and audio formats) on the topic of therapeutic boundaries in psychotherapy and counseling. The course discusses the definitions of boundary crossings versus boundary violations and how to differentiate among boundary crossings, boundary violations, and dual relationships in psychotherapy.

The course will explain how gifts, dual or multiple relationships, home visits, self-disclosure, bartering, and non-sexual touch are all boundary crossings but are not necessarily boundary violations. When conducted with the welfare of the clients in mind, boundary crossings can be an integral part of an ethical and clinically sound treatment plan. The course includes Dr. Zur’s guidelines for how to consider boundary crossings. Six hypothetical case scenarios illustrate how clinicians should carefully review common therapeutic boundary situations, including business dual relationships, clients’ gifts, outside encounters, and digital experiences.

Although not officially part of the course, a summary brochure is provided as an extra resource which can be given to supervisees, supervisors and administrators, and when appropriate, clients.